It is recommended you wear gloves for protection if you plan to pull the plant out by hand. Gloves can prevent blisters, friction burns, and callouses from forming during manual removal. Creeping charlie is a common skin allergen that can cause itching or a rash from contact. Wearing gloves will prevent you from having an unexpected allergic response while weeding. [2] X Research source
Keep bits and pieces of creeping charlie collected together off to the side or put it in a bag for disposal later. Lost bits and pieces can reseed your plot with the plant. You may want to avoid doing this on windy days. The wind might blow a stray leaf or vine somewhere else you don’t want the plant growing. It is not recommended you use a hoe to break up the soil or cut through the top layer of the plant. This can spread creeping charlie even further. [3] X Research source
You may need to use a rooting tool, which is shaped like a long, flat-tipped screwdriver, to assist in removing difficult plants or those with deep-sunk roots. You should investigate the soil following the hand removal of roots. If you leave behind root pieces, the creeping charlie may return. [4] X Research source
Using a thin tined rake can help you sift through dirt to find remaining creeping charlie plant debris. Even small pieces can contribute to regrowth. Throwing the creeping charlie away in the garbage should be sufficient, but you could also dispose of trimmings by burning them. Be sure you have a fire permit before burning, if your region requires one. [5] X Research source
You should see the creeping charlie diminish after each weeding, but it can take up to a year or longer before the plant is fully removed. [7] X Research source
When creeping charlie is growing among plants you want to keep, you might consider cutting a circular hole around in a heavy cloth or tarp. This way you can block light to the creeping charlie around the wanted plant without denying it of light. Any surrounding plants that are deprived of light will die along with the creeping charlie. This likely means you’ll need to reseed your plot later. [8] X Research source
To ensure the light is completely blocked, you should make sure that the cardboard is large enough to cover at least six inches beyond any protruding stems. [9] X Research source
When you notice that all parts of the creeping charlie are withered, shriveled, and lacking in green color, the plant should be dead. [10] X Research source
Be sure you wear gloves when handling or removing creeping charlie directly. Many people are allergic to this plant. [11] X Research source Many places require you to request a burning permit to prevent false fire alarms. Be sure you have a burning permit before attempting to dispose this plant with fire.
Three way herbicides, often called “trimec herbicides,” should be prioritized, as the special compounds in these are effective at eliminating creeping charlie. [12] X Research source Some herbicides may affect other plants around the creeping charlie. You should consult the label of your herbicide to understand the full effects before administering it. Some herbicides leave behind residue for a period of time after its application that can be harmful to children or animals. In these cases, you should block off the area and/or keep an eye around children and pets until the next rainfall or until your label indicates the herbicide has diminished to safe levels.
When using a herbicidal treatment, more is not always better. Follow the directions that came with your herbicide for best results.
You can also make your lawn less hospitable for creeping charlie by creating a bright sunlight environment by pruning shade casting branches. A thick cover of grass can also make your lawn less hospitable for creeping charlie. By planting grass that grows well in shade, it’s less likely creeping charlie will pop up in shady areas that are more susceptible to the plant. [16] X Research source
